State Assemblyman Richard Brodksy, D-Westchester, who finished last in the straw poll with 4 votes, tried to connect to his rural audience by saying: “I’m the only candidate before you today who’s actually part-owner of a beef ranch…and has won a rosette for his baking at the county fair.”

(He didn’t mention the ranch is in Montana – or, at least, I didn’t hear him. He insists he did, but was drowned out by applause).

Cuomo showed up to the straw poll with his own cheering section – a slew of well-dressed youngsters whoÂ followed him down the aisles of the Cornell University auditorium where the event was held waving signs and chantingÂ ”An-drew! An-drew!”Â At least one was wearing a trademark yellow-and-purple SEIU/1199 T-shirt.

One of the crew told me she was an intern with the Cuomo campaign in Manhattan.

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